Psalms 96:4
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While we often focus on the "greatness" of God, this verse slyly points out that He is greatly to be praised. This subtle emphasis suggests that our praise shouldn't just acknowledge His size, but should match it in intensity and scope, a call to worship that reflects the vastness of His being.
This psalm is a call for all nations to worship the LORD as King, celebrating a new era of His reign that extends beyond Israel. It emphasizes His supremacy over all false gods, highlighting His creative power and the inherent glory and strength found in His presence. The verses leading up to this one set the stage by proclaiming His kingship and inviting the whole earth to join in praise, framing verse 4 as a foundational reason why such universal worship is due.
We often say God is 'great,' but what does that truly mean? And how much praise is 'greatly to be praised'?
The verse declares, 'For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised.' This isn't just a statement of fact; it's an invitation to grasp the immensity of God's being.
Infinite Worthiness
'Great' speaks to His infinite nature, His unmatched power, His perfect character. There's no limit to who God is. Because He is infinitely great, our praise should also be without limit. 'Greatly to be praised' means our adoration should rise to meet His greatness, acknowledging that even our highest praise falls short of fully capturing His worth.
A Foundation for Worship
This understanding isn't just for theological debate; it's the very foundation of true worship. When we truly grasp God's greatness, our response is naturally one of profound praise and adoration. It moves us from going through the motions to heartfelt worship.
The psalm calls God 'to be feared above all gods.' What does 'fear' mean here, and why is it exclusive to the Lord?
The verse states, 'he is to be feared above all gods.' This 'fear' isn't about terror or dread in a negative sense. Instead, it points to a profound reverence, awe, and holy respect.
Supremacy Over Falsehood
The 'gods' mentioned here represent the idols and false deities of the surrounding nations. These were nothing more than human inventions, powerless and vain. The psalmist contrasts the true God with these 'nothings' to highlight His unique, supreme authority. He alone is worthy of ultimate reverence.
The True Basis of Security
To fear the Lord above all else means He is the ultimate authority in our lives. He is the one we must ultimately obey and honor. This fear leads to true security, as our trust is placed in the one who truly holds all power, unlike the deceptive and empty promises of false gods.
Understand the original words
yare · Hebrew Verb
A reverential, deep awe and trembling respect for God's holiness and power, leading to obedience and worship.
This psalm likely emerged from the post-exilic period, celebrating God's sovereignty and power as His people returned to worship Him in a rebuilt Temple. It calls for a universal recognition of Yahweh above all other 'gods,' reflecting the unique position of Israel's God in a world filled with diverse deities.
c. 538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
After decades in exile, a remnant of the Jewish people were allowed to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple and the city. This marked a new era of worship and national identity.
c. 516 BC— this verse
Second Temple Rededication
The rebuilding of the Temple was completed and it was rededicated. This event was a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness and a call for renewed worship and praise.
c. 450 BC
Ezra and Nehemiah's Reforms
Ezra and Nehemiah led reforms aimed at restoring religious and social order. They emphasized adherence to the Law and proper worship practices in the restored community.
This passage is a direct echo, with Psalm 96:4 borrowing the phrasing 'great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,' emphasizing the consistent acknowledgment of God's greatness throughout Israel's worship.
Isaiah 40:18-20This prophetic passage powerfully contrasts the true God, who is incomparable, with the lifeless idols of the nations, mirroring Psalm 96:4's assertion that the LORD is to be feared above all gods, who are merely 'vanities'.
1 Corinthians 8:4-6The Apostle Paul here addresses the very concept of idols, stating that 'an idol is nothing in the world' and that 'there is none true God but one.' This directly supports Psalm 96:4's claim that the LORD is to be feared above these false deities.
Deuteronomy 7:21This verse speaks of the LORD, your God, who is among you and is a great and awesome God, directly aligning with the foundational declaration in Psalm 96:4 that 'great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised.'
Romans 11:33-36This passage erupts in awe at the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, echoing the sentiment of Psalm 96:4 that the LORD is great and to be praised, with all things ultimately originating from and belonging to Him.
bensonPsalms 96:4: "For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods."
Psalm 96:4-6 . For the Lord — Hebrew, Jehovah, is great — Infinite in his nature and attributes; and greatly to be praised — All our most exalted praises fall infinitely short of his greatness. He is to be feared above all gods — The gods of the heathen, as the next words expound it. For all the gods of the nations are idols — Or, nothing, as they are called 1 Corinthians 8:4 ; 1 Corinthians 10:1…
clarkePsalms 96:4: "For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods."
He is to be feared above all gods - I think the two clauses of this verse should be read thus: - Jehovah is great, and greatly to be praised. Elohim is to be feared above all. I doubt whether the word אלהים Elohim is ever, by fair construction, applied to false gods or idols. The contracted form in the following verse appears to have this meaning.
While we often focus on the "greatness" of God, this verse slyly points out that He is greatly to be praised. This subtle emphasis suggests that our praise shouldn't just acknowledge His size, but should match it in intensity and scope, a call to worship that reflects the vastness of His being.
This psalm is a call for all nations to worship the LORD as King, celebrating a new era of His reign that extends beyond Israel. It emphasizes His supremacy over all false gods, highlighting His creative power and the inherent glory and strength found in His presence. The verses leading up to this one set the stage by proclaiming His kingship and inviting the whole earth to join in praise, framing verse 4 as a foundational reason why such universal worship is due.
This psalm is a call for all nations to worship the LORD as King, celebrating a new era of His reign that extends beyond Israel. It emphasizes His supremacy over all false gods, highlighting His creative power and the inherent glory and strength found in His presence. The verses leading up to this one set the stage by proclaiming His kingship and inviting the whole earth to join in praise, framing verse 4 as a foundational reason such universal worship is due.
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"For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods." — While we often focus on the "greatness" of God, this verse slyly points out that He is greatly to be praised. This subtle emphasis suggests that our praise shouldn't just acknowledge His size, but…
